To all our new members: we look forward to having you participate in one of the most active and exciting activities at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. As a new band member you have expressed a desire and commitment to work hard, practice every day, and to develop your musical talent to the fullest extent possible. Make no mistake about it, marching band takes some extra effort, yet is extremely rewarding. The PLD Marching Band is the largest 'Team' at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. Since 2003, every marching band student has graduated from PLD as a state champion. The PLD marching band program has graduated more state champion students than all other extracurricular activities at PLD combined. The expectations for you as a new student are equally high. We look forward to working with you, to help you develop and grow into responsible young adults, to celebrate the many accomplishments you will achieve with the PLD Marching Band, to provide you with experiences in music that are educational and rewarding, and to provide memories and friends that last a lifetime. Welcome to the Paul Laurence Dunbar marching band!

      Your Band journey begins with Freshman and New Band Member Camp. These activities will introduce you to marching fundamentals, posture, drill commands and get you ready to join the experienced band members at full band camp. Full Band Camp runs two weeks beginning around the middle of July and followed by post camp rehearsals. All Band Camp rehearsals are held at PLD High School. You must attend camp to insure a spot in the competition show. For new members band camp can be confusing and exhausting. The Band Camp Survival Guide is an informational document developed by former students and parents to help you succeed while at camp.

      The Band performs at varsity football home games during the season when marching competitions do not conflict. The Band plays the National Anthem at the start of the game, plays pep tunes during the game, and performs the competition show at half-time. The Band also performs at 4 to 6 band competitions which the directors select. These additional competitions can be at local, state, regional, and national levels. Bands compete against other bands of their size-class (based on high school enrollment) and also vie for best overall honors. Judges at each competition evaluate the performances according to established criteria.

       Since the PLD Marching Band is an extracurricular activity, the rehearsal schedule falls almost entirely outside of the typical school day. Band rehearsals generally are as follows, but can be changed by the directors. The Rehearsal schedule is given to each student and is always available on this website.

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       As members of the Paul Laurence Dunbar Marching band you are responsible for conducting yourselves in an appropriate manner at all times during band functions. Always remember that the public's perception of the PLD Marching Band is what you show them. Let's leave them with a good impression.